Including Resiliently Biased Contact Patents (Class 439/29)
  • Patent number: 11990821
    Abstract: A motor includes an electrical discharging device including a conductive member in contact with a region of the outer surface of a shaft extending in the axial direction along the rotation axis parallel to the horizontal direction. When viewed from the axial direction, the electrical discharging device is disposed on one side and the other side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and parallel to the horizontal direction with respect to a contact portion between the shaft and the conductive member, or is disposed on a vertically obliquely upper side with respect to the contact portion. The electrical discharging device is further disposed on one side and the other side in the above-described parallel direction with respect to the rotation axis or is disposed on the vertically obliquely upper side with respect to the rotation axis when viewed from the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Makino, Masahiro Kokubo
  • Patent number: 9295515
    Abstract: The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Li Wang, Chunlang Hong, Jiun Keat Ong
  • Patent number: 8944338
    Abstract: A thermostat is configured for automated compatibility with HVAC systems that are either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The compatibility is automated in that a manual jumper installation is not required for adaptation to either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The thermostat has a plurality of HVAC wire connectors including a first call relay wire connector, a first power return wire connector, a second call relay wire connector, and a second power return wire connector. The thermostat is configured such that if the first and second external wires have been inserted into the first and second power return wire connectors, respectively, then the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically isolated from each other. Otherwise, the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically shorted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan Alan Dutra, David Bell, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers
  • Patent number: 8894418
    Abstract: A retractable contact assembly includes an outer casing having a first opening and a piston located in the first opening of the outer casing and moveable axially within the opening. The piston has a second opening. The assembly further includes an inelastic force generating device configured to control an axial movement of the piston and a contact located in the second opening of the piston and movable axially in the second opening of the piston. The assembly further includes an elastic force biasing device configured to provide an elastic force to the contact in an axial direction outward from the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Perkinson, David R. Danielson
  • Patent number: 8866145
    Abstract: An organic light-emitting display device includes a buffer layer on a substrate that has a plurality of insulating layers having different refractive indexes, and at least one of the insulating layers have different thicknesses on the same level. The device further includes an active layer of a thin film transistor in a thick area of the buffer layer, a pixel electrode in a thin area of the buffer layer, a gate electrode of the thin film transistor on the active layer and source and drain electrodes of the thin film transistor connected to the active layer, and a gate insulating layer between the gate electrode and the source and drain electrodes. The device also includes an emission layer on the pixel electrode, an opposite electrode facing the pixel electrode, and the emission layer is between the opposite electrode and the pixel electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo-Kyung Choi, Kyu-Sik Cho, Sang-Ho Moon, Joon-Hoo Choi, Chung-Gi You, Sun Park, Jong-Hyun Park, Yul-Kyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20140120744
    Abstract: A retractable contact assembly includes an outer casing having a first opening and a piston located in the first opening of the outer casing and moveable axially within the opening. The piston has a second opening. The assembly further includes an inelastic force generating device configured to control an axial movement of the piston and a contact located in the second opening of the piston and movable axially in the second opening of the piston. The assembly further includes an elastic force biasing device configured to provide an elastic force to the contact in an axial direction outward from the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Robert H. Perkinson, David R. Danielson
  • Publication number: 20140084523
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the continuous thermal treatment of metal continuously cast material having a heating section, the metal continuously cast material having a heating section, the metal continuously cast material is led over two contact rollers, wherein the first contact roller is arranged at a first end and the second contact roller is arranged at a second end of said heating section. Both contact rollers are connected to a voltage source in such a way that a current flows through the metal continuously cast material between the first and the second contact roller. Here, electrical contact is made with one of the contact rollers via a sliding contact element, which is in electrical contact with a slip-ring disk arranged concentrically with the axis of said contact roller. The sliding contact element is arranged on a current-carrying element using a plug-in connection which can be detached by pulling and which has at least one resilient and electrically conductive fixing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gerhard Herbst, Rainer Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8677617
    Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly and method of assembly is provided for a printed circuit board having a top and bottom surface with at least one edge portion having a rounded surface extending from the top surface to a point below the top surface and at least one electrical contact pad located on the top surface and extending over the edge portion rounded surface to a point below the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Samuel Beaman
  • Publication number: 20140045349
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a brush holder apparatus. In one embodiment, a brush holder apparatus for receiving a brush includes: a first support member; a box member affixed to the first support member; and a cam member operably connected to the first support member, the cam member configured to retain the brush against an inner surface of the box member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael David Kuban, Paul August Quail, Albert Eugene Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20140038434
    Abstract: A slipring brush includes a body of a metal wire or metal band having a contact area for contacting a slipring module. The contact area is selectively coated by a contact material like gold or silver or an alloy thereof. The body preferably includes Copper, Nickel, Iron, or an alloy thereof. Coating may be done by electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Max Winkler, Christian Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 8614454
    Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device which includes: a single-crystal substrate formed with a plurality of projection portions on a c-plane main surface; an intermediate layer which is formed to cover the main surface of the single-crystal substrate, in which a film thickness t2 on the projection portion is smaller than a film thickness t1 on the c-plane surface, in which the film thickness t2 on the projection portion is 60% or more of the film thickness t1 on the c-plane surface, and which includes AlN having a single-crystal phase on the c-plane surface and a polycrystalline phase on the projection portion; and a semiconductor layer which is formed on the intermediate layer and includes a group III nitride semiconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunori Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8540521
    Abstract: Disclosed are benzoxazole-based compounds, kits, and methods of producing and using the described compounds in fluorescence-based detection of analytes (e.g., metal ions). Also disclosed are uses of benzoxazole-based compounds as ratiometric metal ion indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle Gee, Vladimir Martin
  • Publication number: 20130244451
    Abstract: A marking system for knowing precisely at which location on an electrical device a used brush and associated brush holder assembly were positioned to evaluate whether abnormal brush wear, abnormal operation or other anomaly is occurring and performing maintenance and/or replacement of components as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: CUTSFORTH PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert S. Cutsforth
  • Patent number: 8508931
    Abstract: A recorder set includes: a recorder which has a connection terminal electrically connected to external equipment, and a casing; and a holder which maintains an attitude of the recorder. The casing has an accommodation unit which accommodates the connection terminal therein, and an opening which allows the connection terminal to externally project therethrough. The holder includes an attachment unit which allows the recorder to be attached thereto in a predetermined attitude. The attachment unit includes a fit member which has an inner wall fitting the connection terminal in geometry. The fit member has an outer wall fittable in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Uchida
  • Publication number: 20130049523
    Abstract: A brush holder extends substantially in a radial direction of a commutator. The brush holder includes a first inner side surface and a second inner side surface, which are separate from each other in the axial direction of the commutator. A torsion spring presses portions-to-be-pressed of a brush-rear end, thereby urging the brush toward the commutator. The portions-to-be-pressed are deviated from a brush-center line in the axial direction of the commutator. The brush is urged by the torsion spring, thereby bringing a brush-tip end into contact with the first inner side surface, and bringing the brush-rear end into contact with the second inner side surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki SHIMA, Ryousuke OGURI
  • Publication number: 20110098733
    Abstract: An electrical medical device assembly that includes a handheld unit, adapted to be manipulated by a medical professional and requiring multi-conductor electrical connection to a base unit; a base unit adapted to provide electrical power to the handheld unit; a multi-conductor electrical cable connecting the handheld unit to the base unit; and a multi-conductor electrical connector interposed between the handheld unit and the base unit, the connector including a first half and a second half and wherein relative rotation is permitted between the first half and the second half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Ky Huynh
  • Patent number: 7819666
    Abstract: This invention provides rotating electrical connections and methods of using the same. One aspect of the invention provides a rotating electrical connection. The rotating electrical connection includes: a rotary member and a pin. The rotary member includes a contact surface and is configured for rotation about a rotational axis. The rotational axis intersects with the contact surface. The pin is configured to contact the rotary member at the intersection of the rotational axis and the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joachim Sihler, Hoe S. Ooi
  • Publication number: 20100078641
    Abstract: In a display substrate and a method of the display substrate, a bank pattern provided with openings formed therethrough is formed by an imprint method, and the openings are filled with a conductive material by an inkjet method to form a data line and a pixel electrode, in accordance with one or more embodiments. When the display substrate is manufactured, a patterning process by a photolithography method may be replaced with the patterning process by the imprint method and the inkjet method, which simplifies a manufacturing method of the display substrate. In case that the display substrate includes a plastic substrate, the plastic substrate may be prevented from being deformed during a photolithography process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Dae-Jin PARK, Kyu-Young Kim, Hyung-Il Jeon, Ju-Han Bae
  • Publication number: 20100003836
    Abstract: A rotary terminal mechanism (1) in which a first electroconductive ring (14) is inserted, under a slightly collapsed state, between the circular internal peripheral surface (81) of a first outside electrode (8) and the circular external peripheral surface (71) of a first inside electrode (7) that are arranged concentrically. The first electroconductive ring (14) is kept contacting the first outside electrode (8) and the first inside electrode (7) by the elastic restoring force. When the first outside electrode (8) and the first inside electrode (7) rotate relatively, the first electroconductive ring (14) rolls along the circular internal peripheral surface (81) and the circular external peripheral surface (71) while being kept pressed against these surfaces by the elastic force. Consequently, electrical connection is formed constantly between them even if the first outside electrode (8) and the first inside electrode (7) rotate relatively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Junji Koyama
  • Publication number: 20090315805
    Abstract: In one aspect, a rotary connector having a longitudinal axis includes a first metal portion including a groove about the longitudinal axis. The rotary connector also includes a second metal portion and a spring disposed in the groove and having metal contact with the first portion and the second portion. One of the first metal portion or the second metal portion is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis and the other of the first metal portion or the second metal portion is configured to remain substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the longitudinal axis. The rotary connector may be used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding with antenna pedestals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Welsh, Stacy E. Davis, Timothy R. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20090221153
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating an electrical connection with a surgical tool is provided that is capable of engaging the shafts of rotatable surgical tools having varying diameters. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a body of nonconductive material connected to a pair of spaced, electrical contact members that provide two spaced points of contact with the tool shaft. In another aspect, a contact arm is provided which pivots within a slot formed within a housing to receive larger diameter tool shafts. Additionally, the contact arm closes an opening on the housing and resiliently shifts to an open position as the contact arm is brought into engagement with the tool shaft. A method of connecting a conductor assembly to a rotatable tool shaft is also provided which includes using tension in the conductor assembly to resist rotation of a gripping end of the assembly connected to a rotatable tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Santangelo, Stephen Maguire
  • Patent number: 7364108
    Abstract: A contact structure in a cable winding reel is disclosed which maintains rotary contact between two cables connected, at one-side ends thereof, to electric/electronic appliances, namely, one cable which is wound on a rotating body, and the other cable which is maintained in a fixed state without being wound, thereby enabling transmission of electricity and signals between the cables. A cable winding reel is also disclosed, wherein the contact structure is implemented in a well-known cable winding reel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventors: Mu-Joong Kim, Mi-Kyung Lee
  • Patent number: 7048546
    Abstract: A bicycle hub dynamo assembly is configured with a hub and a releasable electrical connector. The hub has a generator mechanism housed in a hub shell that generates electricity by rotation of the hub shell relative to a hub axle. The generator mechanism includes a first electrical connector with first electrical contacts. The releasable electrical connector includes mating electrical contacts configured to mate with the electrical contacts of the electrical connector that is fixed to the hub axle. The releasable electrical connector includes an inner housing part and an outer housing part with a fixing portion of the second electrical contacts retained between the inner and outer housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takahiro Endo
  • Patent number: 6789653
    Abstract: A contact structure includes a fixed contact set, said fixed contact set having a stepped cap and a plurality of contact rings of different diameters respectively mounted in annular steps of the stepped cap and respectively connected to the conductors of a fixed cable, and a movable contact set, the movable contact set having a stepped shaft rotatably inserted into the stepped cap, spring members mounted in peripheral holes in the steps of the stepped shaft, and arched contact plates respectively connected to the conductors of a movable cable and respectively supported on the spring members and forced by the spring members into contact with the contact rings of the fixed contact set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hui Hsu, Chia-Cheng Wei
  • Patent number: 6628036
    Abstract: A serpentine-shaped spring device having an internal core made of braided wires coated with elastomeric material for environmental protection and to enhance exertion of a low holding spring pressure on a metal fiber brush, when the spring device is suitably anchored at a stationary location to hold the brush in contact with a rotor during rotation thereof while conductively transferring electrical current thereto from the core of the spring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William A. Lynch, Neal A. Sondergaard, Thomas H. Fikse, Lynn J. Petersen
  • Patent number: 6548755
    Abstract: A power supply adapter with a foldable plug is disclosed. The power supply adapter includes a first casing, a second casing, a rotatable cylinder, a projecting plug, and a lighter connector. A cavity is formed on the front end of the first casing. Two vertical plates are mounted on the second casing for supporting the rotatable cylinder. A lighter connector is connected to the front end of the projecting plug for insertion into a lighter socket. The projecting plug is formed on the front end of the rotatable cylinder and extends from a cavity space defined by the front end of the first casing and the second casing. By rotating the rotatable cylinder, the angle of the projecting plug is changed. A voltage converting circuit is arranged in the adapter for supplying a first and a second output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Formosa Electronic Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wu
  • Patent number: 6402532
    Abstract: A pressing bar for connecting legs of connectors includes a connector with a plurality of slots. A sleeve is inside each slot with a connecting leg that is soldered on a connecting point of a circuit board. The connecting legs are further fixed onto the circuit board with a pressing bar. The pressing bar includes a pair of pressing ears on both ends and a plurality of troughs on the bottom. A fastening hole is on both ends of the connector. By placing the pressing ear of the pressing bar into the fastening holes of the connector, the pressing bar is fixed on top of the connector and the troughs of the pressing bar are firmly attached on top of the connecting legs of the sleeves. Thus the connecting legs are pressed on top of the connecting points so as to avoid bad connections and open circuit conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Jess -Link Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Ching Ko
  • Patent number: 6383000
    Abstract: A swivel joint assembly, preferably having a full range of rotational movement, can include a body pipe and a cooperating tail pipe that fit together for form a fluid passage. A sealing element and rotational assist mechanism can be interposed between the interior surface of the body pipe and the exterior surface of the cooperating tail pipe. An electrical connector, such as a spring plunger, can extend through the bore hole in the body pipe and has a first portion in effective electrical communication with the body pipe and a second portion in effective electrical communication with the tail pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy Joe Burd, Jr., Mark A. Schwieterman
  • Patent number: 6315597
    Abstract: A power connector for receipt and releasable engagement with a wire to effect a transmitting power electrical connection to the wire. The power connector includes a connector housing having a wire insertion side with an opening for receiving the wire. A spring contact is disposed within the housing and includes an attachment end for attaching the spring contact to the connector housing and a contact end for contact with the wire. The spring contact includes a substantially C-shaped segment extending between the attachment end and contact end. The C-shaped segment is dimensioned to be maintained under compression and so that the spring contact applies a contact force against an inserted wire at the contact end with a force sufficient for supporting the conducting of electricity between the wire and contact end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Coyne, James T. LaGrotta, Richard Thomas LaGrotta
  • Patent number: 5990458
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly for a roller (10) having at least one single-bevel end portion (13) has a first electrical contact formed by a thermally sprayed band (29) of a nickel alloy, a second electrical contact (30) formed by an annular contact structure (57, 37, 38, 30) assembled to the roller (10) and a bridging contact formed by an extension coil spring (33) which extends around the tapered end (24) of the roller (10) in a location where it will make bridging contact between the first electrical contact (29) and the second electrical contact (30) and provide spring pressure to maintain such contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: American Roller Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Hyllberg, Robert G. Langley
  • Patent number: 5661356
    Abstract: A grounding system for an AC or DC motor or other rotating apparatus employs a conductive brush in resilient contact with a contamination free conductive member removably secured onto a rotating part such as a motor shaft or tachometer shaft. The contacting surface is preferably formed of brass and is shielded from contamination from motor bearings and the like, for reliably shunting the shaft to the frame of the machine so as to avoid high voltage transients across bearings as would otherwise result in bearing damage or destruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventors: Rodney R. Fisher, Hugh E. Boyanton
  • Patent number: 5382876
    Abstract: A cord connection structure for connecting a ballast circuit and a starter circuit in which an output cord from a starter circuit unit mounted on a lamp body is connected to a discharge bulb inserted into a bulb insertion hole, and an output cord from a ballast circuit unit disposed in the vicinity of a starter circuit unit is removably connected through a connector to a connector connection part (receptacle) provided in the starter circuit unit, characterized in that a connector slip-off preventing protector covering the connector coupled into the connector connection part is provided around the connector connection part (receptacle). Such a construction makes it difficult for a general user to connect and disconnect the connector of high voltage to and from the connector connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sugasawa, Atsushi Toda, Masaru Sasaki, Masayasu Yamashita, Akihiro Matsumoto, Akiyoshi Ozaki, Goichi Oda
  • Patent number: 5278993
    Abstract: An integral electric switch, for controlling an electronic apparatus, comprises a main housing and a flap portion, rotatably attached thereto. The main housing contains the electronic apparatus. The flap portion has a hinge cam for rotatably attaching the flap portion to the main housing, so that the flap portion is movable from a defined open position to a closed position with respect to the main body. The main housing comprises a plurality of spring fingers making sliding contact with the hinge cam as the flap portion is rotated from the open position to the closed position thus providing a switching function and electrical connection from the housing to devices contained within the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Reiff, Mac W. Branan, Dale W. Dorinski, Jill C. Olkoski, Danielle P. Dzung, Stephen M. Stanton, Rudy Yorio
  • Patent number: 5080593
    Abstract: A water-cooled, high-current docking plug-connector device designed particularly for automatic welding machines has a plug socket component (1) with elastic contacts (4,6) and a plug pin component (2) for insertion into the socket component (1), so that the components can be rotated relative to each other. In order to transmit high current with low voltages, without the danger of the elastic contacts lifting out of position, several contact ring groups (3) are positioned in axial succession within the plug socket component (1), each of which ring groups (3) has at least one slotted outer socket contact ring (4) with a contact surface (5) resting elastically on the inner surface of the plug socket component (1), and at least one slotted inner socket contact ring (6) with a contact surface (7) which, in the inserted condition, rests elstically on the plug pin component (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Otto Dunkel, GmbH Fabrik fur Elektrotechnische Gerate
    Inventors: Gerhard Neumann, Paul-Rainer Molitor
  • Patent number: 5009604
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for components that are rotatable relative to one another, such as a steering column and a steering wheel for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering column cassette and an opposed mateable steering wheel cassette. Concentric recesses are formed in the mating face of at least one of the cassettes. The opposed mating surfaces are further defined by discrete concentric conductive portions formed on or disposed in the cassettes. At least one resilient electrically conductive contact member is resiliently engaged between the cassettes to make redundant electrical contact with the opposed cassette. The cassettes may be appropriately configured for environmental sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. Plocek, Stephen Z. Weiss, Maciej Pike-Biegunski
  • Patent number: 4954084
    Abstract: A shaft-grounding stuffing box cover (10) includes an annular nut-base (12) that includes a central aperture (14) through which a rotating shaft (16) passes. Two grounding tabs (28 and 30) project longitudinally upwards from the proximal end of the nut-base (12) adjacent the rotating shaft. The grounding tabs include diametrically opposed radial openings (18) that are longitudinally displaced from each other for the mounting of conductive brush contacts (20) therein. The conductive brush contacts are biased against the rotating shaft by backing springs (46), and are retained within the radial openings by hollow bolts (48). The hollow bolts, spring, and brush contacts form an electrically conductive path to the rotating shaft for grounding of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Marine Hardware, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Pugh, Ann L. Magallanes
  • Patent number: 4904190
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for components that are rotatable relative to one another, such as a steering column and a steering wheel for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering column cassette and an opposed mateable steering wheel cassette. Concentric recesses are formed in the mating face of at least one of the cassettes. The opposed mating surfaces are further defined by discrete concentric conductive portions formed on the cassettes. At least one resilient electrically conductive contact member is resiliently engaged between the cassettes to make redundant electrical contact with the opposed concentric contact portions of each cassette. The cassettes may be appropriately configured for environmental sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. Plocek, William H. Hyslop
  • Patent number: 4853883
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a railway train simulator includes a control station which has a first microcomputer for receiving and transmitting, via a conventional transmission protocol, train simulation signals to a second microcomputer. The second microcomputer provides master control for the apparatus. The second microcomputer is adapted to link with and operate from multiple control stations and multiple computer control terminals. Information is provided in an enhanced manner through one or more color graphics terminals, plotters and printers. Displays of simulated trains and track selections can be displayed at different, selectable scales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventors: Stephen K. Nickles, Jim B. Surjaatmadja, John E. Haley, Lynn K. Wienck
  • Patent number: 4785214
    Abstract: Brush rigging for a dynamoelectric machine such as an electric cranking motor for cranking an internal combustion engine. A support carries a plurality of radially extending brush holders each of which slidably supports a brush. The brushes are urged radially inwardly by an elastomeric band that is formed of electrical insulating material. The band directly engages the outer ends of the brushes and a plurality of pins that are carried by the support. The pins are located between pairs of brush holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Mummert
  • Patent number: 4764121
    Abstract: A rotary electrical connector for a telephone or the like comprises a spindle assembly and a housing mounted in rotating relation to each other. A first male or female connector element is fixed to the spindle assembly, and a second male or female connector element rotates with the housing. Electrical contact elements extend from the first connector element and engage rings disposed in peripheral grooves of a spindle body. The rings are electrically connected to the second connector element by conducting elements extending through channels or grooves in the spindle body or in holders carried by the spindle body. Another embodiment of spindle assembly has flat planar conducting elements embedded therein. Methods for producing various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Telephone Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Ditzig
  • Patent number: 4757721
    Abstract: A torque transducer has a torque transformable shaft 2 with strain guages 10, 12 electrically connected to sliprings 58 separated by spacers 60. A torque related signal is transmittable via the sliprings to a brush arrangement 22 having flexible strips 24 pulled by tension from springs 26 against the periphery of the sliprings 58, with the strips 24 tracked between the spacers 60 onto the sliprings 58.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Crane Electronics Limited
    Inventors: Ronald F. Horner, David O. Crane
  • Patent number: 4743201
    Abstract: A moveable contact plunger assembly for interconnection of electrical wires between adjacent railway cars. The assembly has a plunger with a shoulder which fits in abutment with a mating shoulder in an aperture of a dielectric connector block. A follower element is arranged for electrical contact with the plunger. A spring is arranged to allow axial deflection of the plunger relative to the follower element and of the follower element relative to the dielectric block shoulder. Electrical continuity between the plunger and the follower element is obtained by means of a wire which is crimped to the follower and to the plunger. A guide pin mounted on the follower element and a guide slot on a spring barrel portion of the plunger coact with the spring so as to allow axial travel of the follower and of the plunger as well as a rotating motion of the plunger during its axial travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Walter E. Robinson, Anthony W. Lumbis
  • Patent number: 4725239
    Abstract: An electrical connection jack, into which a rotary plug is plugged in, uses oil impregnate metal in at least a sleeve brought into contact with a trunk of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Hoshiden Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Shichida
  • Patent number: 4684180
    Abstract: An arrangement of sliding contacts for high current levels comprising a large number of closely spaced conductive spring contact elements formed of sheet material connected to one member and projecting obliquely towards another and for contact therewith, and wherein the projecting axis of the contact element is normal to the direction of relative motion of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
    Inventors: C. Bruce Bigham, Robert J. Burton, James E. A. McGregor
  • Patent number: RE34693
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for components that are rotatable relative to one another, such as a steering column and a steering wheel for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering column cassette and an opposed mateable steering wheel cassette. Concentric recesses are formed in the mating face of at least one of the cassettes. The opposed mating surfaces are further defined by discrete concentric conductive portions formed on or disposed in the cassettes. At least one resilient electrically conductive contact member is resiliently engaged between the cassettes to make redundant electrical contact with the opposed cassette. The cassettes may be appropriately configured for environmental sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. Plocek, Stephen Z. Weiss, Maciej Pike-Biegunski